Palace: Dengue cases drop in 10 regions

MANILA, Philippines – While some regions in the country reported a spike in dengue cases, 10 others recorded a decline, a Palace official said yesterday.

Records from the Department of Health showed that only seven regions have reported a rise in dengue cases.

Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) topped the list among regions that recorded a decline, with 1,346 cases from a high of 1,646.

It was followed by Bicol with 868 from 993; Western Visayas, 3,756 from 5,718, and Central Visayas, 3,326 from 3,481.

Eastern Visayas ranked fifth with a substantial drop to a mere 737 from 4,508; followed by Zamboanga Region with 3,981 from 4,743, and Northern Mindanao with 5,795 from 6,298 cases.

Eighth is Davao region with 2,619 cases from 5,849 followed by Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) with 5,109 from 5,302.

Last is Caraga region with 2,598 cases from a previous 6,946.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the most important aspect in addressing this problem is prevention.

He said residents should observe cleanliness so there would be no place for mosquitoes to breed.

Regardless of the reported surge and decline of dengue cases, he said government hospitals are maintaining their express lanes for dengue patients.